SuperKings storm into the finals

Match 58(2nd Semi Final) – Chennai Super Kings put up an inspired performance with the ball to not only defend a modest total but instead thrash the defending champions by 38 runs. Chargers had done half the job by restricting the powerful batting line up that Chennai boasted of to only 142 but they still had to complete the other half which was to chase down the score. But unfortunately their foreign stars Gilchrist and Gibbs batted in a manner contrary to their reputation, preferring caution over attack in the Powerplay which resulted in Chargers making their lowest score (23/2) in the first 6 overs. The required rate which was 7 at the start zoomed to 10 at the end of 10 overs as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Deccan’s sharp bowling effort went in vain as their batting crumbled to be bowled out for 104 on a tricky pitch.

Deccan Chargers Innings

Dhoni started with Ashwin which was expected considering that Gilchrist and Gibbs are not comfortable with spin. The conditions were aiding swing and movement, and the pitch was taking turn but it was shocking to see Gilchrist block balls as if he were playing a test match. 2 runs came of the first 2 overs before Gilchrist broke the shackles by going down the wicket and smashing Ashwin for a 6 but that was the only clean strike he managed on a night when all the batsmen struggled. 19 came of the first 5 and Gichrist tried to take advantage of the last over before the powerplay but he hit one straight to Anirudha who took a good low catch. T Suman flicked one to the boundary before Raina took a smart catch to dismiss him in the very same over. Rohit Sharma who has been the key for Deccan getting into the Semis disappointed by lofting one to the Long on. Gibbs and Symonds had to do the rescue act but Gibbs lack of conviction didn’t help one bit as he couldn’t get the spinners away and kept defending way too many balls before Jakati ended his stay. Though the rate had spiraled up to 13 the Chargers still had Andrew Symonds but he too got out in an act of desperation trying to slog Ashwin. Chennai completed the formalities as Chargers collapsed from 101/6 to 104 allout. Bollinger was the star with the ball giving away only 13 runs for the 4 wickets in his 4 overs. PHOTOS

Chennai SuperKings Innings

It was an interesting team composition for both sides. Chennai went with spin while Deccan decided to go with all pace attack. Dhoni won the toss and decided to bat first on a tricky pitch hoping that his batsmen survive the initial phase and the pitch would spin in second half. It was a big gamble that Dhoni took and it backfired immediately as Hayden was finally dismissed after being dropped twice in a space of 5 balls but Symonds ensured that he was not third time lucky. Vijay who has been in awesome touch this IPL smashed RP for a 6 and a boundary in the 3rd over but he was dismissed in the very next over by Harris. Butter fingers for Chargers continued as Suman dropped Raina at backward point but luckily for Chargers it didn’t prove costly as Symonds sent him back for only 2. Dhoni and Badrinath were cautious in their partnership of 52 in 50 balls which saw Chennai reach 80/3 in 13 overs. Gilchrist was spot on with his captaincy when he fielded a slip for Harmeet’s legcutters and Dhoni slashed one straight to Rohit. Purple cap holder Ojha removed Morkel early to setback Super Kings. Anirudha was selected ahead of Tyagi and he did justice to that by smashing 2 6’s and a boundary to hit 24 in 15 balls. Chennai managed to hit 46 in the last 5 of which 26 came in the last 2. Badrinaths innings of 37 was crucial in Chennai reaching 142 which proved to be too much in the end for the Chargers. PHOTOS